|
Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZGARBER, Jan(b 5 Nov. 1897, Morristown PA; d 5 Oct. '77, Shreveport LA) Bandleader who alternated between sweet and hot. Attended U. of North Carolina, became violinist in Philadelphia S.O., formed Garber-Davis Orchestra with pianist Milt Davis, then jazz-oriented band early '20s. With success of Guy Lombardo's Royal Canadians, Garber took over the sweet Canadian band of Freddy Large, became popular attraction with spot on Burn and Allen comedy radio series. Switched back to swing policy '42, hired younger staff incl. Liz Tilton, sister of singer Martha; this band appeared in film Here Comes Elmer ('43, also with Nat Cole), but then he resuscitated the "Mickey Mouse' style; film Make Believe Ballroom and hit records "You're Breaking My Heart' and "Jealous Heart', all '49. "The Idol Of The Air Lanes' continued playing the West Coast for years. |